The Newmarket based driver has scored two third place finishes at Le Mans after making his debut in the twice-around-the-clock marathon in 2012 but has not previously contested a full WEC season.

“It’s an early Christmas present and at the same time a fulfilment of a dream,” said Jarvis at the announcement in Germany last night (Wednesday).

“I’ve got some big shoes to fill in replacing Tom, a nine-time winner at Le Mans and last year’s world sportscar champion but I look forward to rising to the challenge.

“I joined Audi in 2008 and raced in DTM but it was always my dream to compete at Le Mans which I fulfilled in 2012. But to now contest the full WEC championship and fight for a world title is just amazing and something I strived to achieve.”